Middle

Amidst the excitement swirling within America in sixties, the United States continued to grapple with dangerous issues in the world arena. After reflecting upon the Cuban Missile Crisis, the complex story of American involvement in Vietnam and how that affected the American people is examined.

Liberal policies brought great change in America from FDR's New Deal to LBJ's Great Society. This lesson examines why liberalism came under attack from all sides in the late 1960s and early 1970s and how the Watergate Affair, coming on the heels of the Vietnam War, confirmed public mistrust of politicians and government.

Reflecting upon the status of American identity, freedom, and equality during the nation's bicentennial, the resurging conservative politics that prevailed for the last quarter of the 20th century are examined. Was government really the problem? Was the era of big government really over?

The American economy headed in a different direction in the late 20th century. Why did this happen? What did it mean? Public policy, the effects of technology, the changing nature of work and the workforce, and the decline of organized labor are examined.

As Americans adjusted to emerging economic realities, the pace of their lives quickened. How did they cope with new freedoms and opportunities? Recent social history, including immigration and affirmative action is analyzed.

America had to adjust its role in the world in the late 20th century. The end of the Cold War, Americas continued involvement in the Middle East, and how American policymakers defined U.S. interests in a complicated and often violent world is analyzed.

At the turn of the 21st century, American culture seemed to be everywhere, and global trade accelerated. Then foreign terrorists attacked America on September 11, 200l. Why did this happen? The many dimensions of globalization, including the war on terrorism are analyzed.

This final lesson reflects upon American identity, freedom, and equality from the perspectives of our recurring experts, as well as our featured family members. Looking forward, we examine how we might secure a more perfect union for our posterity.

A 4000 mile trade route the winds through mountains, deserts and plains linking Europe to China. In 1271 Marco Polo left Venice, Italy on a journey of 4000 miles to China. His book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," opened the trade routes to greater traffic as cultures, ideas and goods from the west and east were exchanged and great fortunes were made on the Silk Road.

The stock market crash in 1929 alarmed investors and signaled hard times spreading beyond the farms. The causes and effects on Americans, and why Hoovers administration seemed unable to deal effectively with the crisis are analyzed.